Boat Tours

Set sail on Iceland’s waters and witness the country’s unparalleled aquatic beauty!

Iceland is a country with rich and vast waters. These waters present a different perspective of the country, one full of equally as much beauty as its land. That’s why boat tours are a must when visiting the land of ice and fire. They give the opportunity to see Iceland’s unmatched Nordic vistas and natural wonders.

There is a wide variety of boat trips from which you can choose. Iceland Glacier lagoon boat tour takes visitors sailing among these ice slabs on specially designed amphibian boats. Whale watching tours get you up close and personal with gigantic water mammals. There’s even a Viking sushi boat tour for foodies, where they get to try out a delicious spin on the meal.

Get ready to explore Iceland from the water—book your boat tour today and experience the beauty of the country’s waters!

Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon - Zodiac Boat Tour

Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon is the largest ice lagoon in Iceland. The lagoon is filled with giant, incredibly shaped icebergs - blue ice, transparent ice, opaque ice, and even deep jewel blue ice. The atmospheric gray streaks showing within some icebergs will remind you that Iceland is a volcanic land with a tremendous fiery heart - the dramatic land of fire and ice!

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Glacier Lagoon - Jökulsárlon Boat Tour

This short adventure tour takes you on to the iconic glacier lagoon Jökulsálón (also named: Breiðamerkurlón) in the South of Iceland.

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Puffin Watching from Reykjavik

There are about 30.000 puffins nesting on the islands off the coast of Reykjavik and we are only a 15 minute boat ride away!

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Whale Watching Rib Boat Tour

On this tour, you will get the exhilarating feeling of riding a Rib boat as we go in search of some of the most incredible creatures on the planet: whales! The chance to see these majestic creatures in the flesh is something that you won’t want to miss. So book this whale watching trip, and we promise that it will be the experience of a lifetime!

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Learn more about boat tours and get ready to set sail!

Why Choose a Boat Tour in Iceland?

Many of Iceland’s prettiest sights can be seen right from its waters. You can witness towering glaciers, rugged fjords, and dramatic volcanic coastlines from your boat tour in Iceland. This includes the Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, a lake that developed after the Breiðamerkurjökull glacier receded in the late 19th century. You can also see the Northern Lights dance above Reykjavik while at sea or kayak in a peaceful fjord.

One of the biggest draws to going on an Iceland boat tour is the incredible wildlife encounters. Icelandic waters are full of magnificent creatures, such as whales, dolphins, and porpoises! You can witness these animals, as well as get to know them better, on a whale watching boat tour. Alternatively, if you’re more into birds, you can catch a rib boat from Dalvik and go on a puffin tour.

Alongside seeing wildlife and gorgeous landscapes, you’ll have the chance to see Iceland from a whole new perspective. Whether you’re swimming past icebergs under the Northern Lights in winter or beneath the “midnight sun” in summer. The country’s waters are full of gorgeous sights and surprises that make for an impressive journey. There’s an unforgettable aquatic view for everyone looking to explore Iceland while sailing on a boat.

Boat tours in Iceland are perfect for all kinds of visitors, making them a fantastic choice for families, couples, and even solo adventurers. Our partners have tours to suit all interests and activity levels – from high-adrenaline rib boat rides to relaxing whale watching and Northern Lights sails. No previous boating experience is required to enjoy the tour, as the vessels are operated by professional sailors.

Best Time for Boat Tours in Iceland

There is no definitive answer for the best time for Iceland boat tours. The summer season usually lasts from May to September and is the high point for watching puffins and riding across glacier lagoons. This is due to the long daylight hours during the Icelandic summer, allowing for better visibility of the birds and glaciers.

On the other hand, the winter season is also an excellent time for arctic boat tours. Lasting from October to March, this time of year is the best for seeing the Northern Lights. Of course, some boat tours in Iceland are available all year round. You can book a whale watching expedition at any time you like. The same goes for Hvalfjörður and Borgarfjörður fjord tours.

Types of Boat Tours

Glacier boat tours take you on an adventure across the mighty ice fields of Jökulsárlón, Fjallsárlón, and Sólheimajökull. These trips are led by experienced guides who have sailed alongside glaciers many times. They will share facts and fascinating insights about the ice slabs, their formations, and the unique wildlife of the area. Depending on the tour you’ve chosen, you’ll either ride on amphibian boats, zodiac vessels or even go kayaking!

Another popular type of Iceland boat tour is whale watching. On this expedition, visitors set sail across the country’s waters in search of the magnificent water mammals. Many types of whales swim in Iceland, including sperm, minke, humpback whales, and even orcas. The guides will get you close to the water inhabitants. This will allow you to study the whales better by seeing them up close and personal.

Whales aren’t the only animals you can encounter in Iceland by boat. Puffin tours are also popular among visitors, letting them see the cute birds in person. Our partners provide sea trips from Reykjavík, Vestmannaeyjar, Cape Ingólfshöfði, and Grundarfjörður. Visitors set sail to puffin islands with professional guides introducing them to the seafowls. You’ll also catch a glimpse of other birds that nest here, like cormorants, shags, kittiwakes, and guillemots.

Finally, you can set off for Icelandic waters in search of the Northern Lights! This boat tour hosts sail straight from the Old Harbour in Reykjavík. Visitors board a traditional Icelandic vessel and cast off to witness the heavenly, almost supernatural light show! The cruise lasts around 1,5-2,5 hours. During it, you’ll have the chance to learn many interesting facts and folklore about the phenomena.

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What to Expect on a Boat Tour

Boat tours are a thrilling and comfortable way to see the country from its waters. The vessels feature comfortable seating and spacious outdoor viewing areas for maximum enjoyment of the sea trip. Each tour is led by seasoned guides with deep knowledge of the country, its geology, history, and wildlife. You’ll have the chance to learn all about Iceland’s aquatic secrets straight from the experts.

Iceland’s stunning natural wonders make for unforgettable, postcard-like photos. From towering glaciers and rugged fjords to magnificent whales swimming alongside you, there will always be something to capture forever. Therefore, make sure to bring a camera on your trip with you. Of course, safety on tours is always a top priority. Professional guides and captains ensure a secure experience while providing passengers with life jackets and necessary gear.

FAQs

An amphibian boat can travel on both water and land. It has wheels or tracks that allow it to drive on solid ground and a hull that lets it float and move through water. A zodiac boat is a lightweight and durable inflatable vessel. Its rigid or inflatable bottom and air-filled tubes on the sides make it stable and easy to maneuver in rough waters.

You should wear warm clothes on your boat tour. This includes a jacket, sweater, winter pants, and hiking boots. For extra comfort, wear gloves, a scarf, and headwear.

Generally speaking, boat tours in Iceland are available all year round. If you intend to watch the Northern Lights, the best time to book would be from October to March. However, if you’re into watching puffins or glacier lagoons, the best season for those are from May to September.

Boat trips can last anywhere from 1,5 to 2,5 hours. During the tours, you’ll see Iceland's beauty unveiled before your eyes. These trips are guided by experts who will introduce you to everything you see and tell you interesting facts.

Absolutely! Puffin boat tours are available from May to September. During these months, you can witness the cute colorful birds, learn more about their nature, and take photos of them.

Iceland boat tours are entirely safe, provided that you follow the guides’ instructions. Each visitor gets a life jacket to wear on the vessel at all times. The boats themselves are operated by seasoned captains who are well familiar with the area.

Iceland’s waters are full of magnificent whales and other water mammals. You can see sperm, minke, humpback whales, and even orcas. On top of that, there’s a chance you’ll see dolphins and porpoises, too!

Boats do not actively approach the whales—instead, they wait at a respectful distance and let the whales come closer on their own. This approach helps avoid disturbing the animals in their natural behavior.

Yes, there are plenty of Reykjavík boat tours available. These include the Northern Lights tour and puffin and whale watching trips. Therefore, if you’re visiting Iceland’s capital city, you can catch a boat tour straight from the city harbor.